The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) is set to work closely with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in a fresh move aimed at improving operations in the country’s maritime industry. This development was disclosed during a recent courtesy visit by BOAN executives to the newly elected President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, in Apapa, Lagos.
The Vice President of BOAN, Mr. Hyginus Ndukwe, who led the delegation, explained that the visit was not just to congratulate Comrade Bunu on his election victory but to also initiate a conversation around potential areas of collaboration between the two bodies.
In a statement released by the Head of Media at MWUN, Mr. John Ikemefuna, Ndukwe said, “The operators are ready and willing to do business with the union, believing that MWUN is capable of accommodating BOAN, given its magnitude and mode of operations in the country’s maritime industry.”
He added that both organisations have overlapping interests and that it was only natural to engage and explore synergies that could benefit the maritime sector as a whole. According to him, a strong partnership between barge operators and maritime workers will help reduce inefficiencies and create a better working environment at the ports.
BOAN, which represents companies and professionals involved in barge transportation, plays a key role in moving cargo in and out of the ports. With the challenges of road congestion and poor infrastructure in key port areas like Apapa and Tin Can Island, barge operations have become increasingly important in ensuring timely cargo movement.
Ndukwe stressed the need for a better working relationship with MWUN, noting that both organisations can find common ground in issues such as port safety, worker welfare, logistics coordination, and dock operations.
Comrade Francis Bunu, who was recently elected as the new President-General of MWUN in a landslide victory, appreciated the visit and assured BOAN of the union’s readiness to collaborate on meaningful projects. He reiterated that MWUN is always open to genuine partnerships that can improve the maritime industry and strengthen industrial harmony.
“MWUN will always be open to any collaboration that will positively impact the industry. I thank you for your visit, and I promise a good working relationship once we finalise the proposal,” Comrade Bunu was quoted as saying in the official statement.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria represents thousands of workers across the nation’s seaports and inland waterways, including dockworkers, shipping workers, and those involved in seamen and water transportation. The union plays a significant role in defending workers’ rights and maintaining industrial peace in one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors.
This proposed partnership comes at a time when stakeholders are calling for better coordination and investment in Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. Industry experts have long identified inefficiency in cargo handling and port logistics as major barriers to trade and economic growth.
A functional and efficient port system is considered essential for Nigeria, which relies heavily on maritime transportation for imports and exports. Collaboration between key stakeholders like BOAN and MWUN is seen as a positive step towards addressing longstanding challenges in the sector.
Observers say that if implemented well, the partnership could lead to joint training programmes, improved communication between employers and workers, and better service delivery in the nation’s ports.
In recent years, both barge operations and maritime labour unions have come under pressure to improve their roles in line with global best practices. With this renewed interest in cooperation, there is growing optimism that Nigeria’s maritime sector could experience significant improvements.
The outcome of this partnership will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and government agencies, especially as Nigeria continues to push for increased trade efficiency and port competitiveness in the West African region.
